Development & Engagement Manager

Position Title: Development & Engagement Manager
Department: Laradon Philanthropic and Development Department
Reporting Function: Chief People and Philanthropic Officer
Supervisory Functions: None
Salary: $80,000-$95,000

Job Summary: The Manager of Development & Engagement plays a critical leadership role in advancing Laradon’s mission by building, stewarding, and growing a portfolio of individual and major gift donors. This role is responsible for cultivating meaningful donor relationships, expanding Laradon’s donor community, and helping lead major fundraising initiatives and signature events that generate sustainable philanthropic support for youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

This is a highly relational, externally facing role ideal for a relationship‑driven fundraiser who thrives on connection, storytelling, and measurable impact.

• Own and actively manage a portfolio of individual and major gift donors through all stages of cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Develop and execute Laradon’s annual individual giving strategy to increase donor acquisition, retention, and upgrade giving.
• Serve as the primary relationship manager for Laradon’s major donors, prospective supporters, and community partners.
• Identify, qualify, and cultivate new donors, corporate partners, and community champions.
• Play a lead role in planning and executing Laradon’s signature fundraising events and major fundraising initiatives.
• Partner with internal teams to develop donor communications, impact storytelling, campaigns, and stewardship experiences.
• Coordinate donor tours, engagement opportunities, and personal outreach strategies.
• Manage planned giving efforts and collaborate on long‑term donor legacy opportunities.
• Maintain accurate donor data, activity tracking, and moves management within the CRM.
• Represent Laradon in the community as a visible ambassador and advocate for the mission.

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• 5–7 years of progressive experience in fundraising, individual giving, or major gifts.
• Demonstrated success managing donor portfolios and securing individual and/or major gifts.
• Strong relationship‑building, communication, and presentation skills.
• Experience planning and supporting fundraising campaigns or events.
• Passion for Laradon’s mission and experience serving or supporting people with IDD preferred.
• Organized, proactive, and comfortable working independently in a dynamic environment.

Our DEIB/A policy supports and strengthens Laradon’s mission of promoting advocacy, community access and independence for the individuals we serve and celebrating the unique differences and abilities of our employees. Laradon strives to foster a culture that celebrates diversity, ensuring that each member of our community has equal opportunities to thrive and contribute their unique perspectives. We are committed to promoting equity and accessibility by identifying and eliminating systemic barriers that may hinder the growth and advancement of underrepresented groups through intentional and inclusive practices.
To provide culturally aware services to individuals, students, guests, and staff/employees, our hiring practices reflect our values by offering an environment that celebrates diversity and embraces inclusion. All of our team members – regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, language, abilities/disabilities, veteran status, religion, citizenship, socioeconomic status, geographic region, or other defining characteristics – should feel a sense of belonging and value.

We strive for excellence in every role within Laradon and select the most qualified people who embrace and embody our mission and values.

Inclusion | Compassion | Advocacy | Respect | Empowerment

If you genuinely care about providing youth and/or adults with a sense of direction and hope, then you’ll get huge satisfaction from this role. Your influence will not only impact the lives of youth and/or adults, but the community as a whole. Laradon staff work extremely hard and are challenged every day, but they play a key role in supporting the well‑being of the individuals that we serve.